Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Hebrews 11:39 Living by faith

Hebrews chapter 11 is often referred to as 'the gallery of faith'.
Two groups are mentioned. Group one '...escaped... the
sword...' (Hebrews 11:34 NAS). Group two '...were put to
death with the sword...' (Hebrews 11:37 NAS).

Now we'd all like to be in group one, but the Bible says both
groups '...gained [God's] approval through their faith...'
(Hebrews 11:39 NAS).

The Message paraphrases this Scripture: '...these people of
faith died not yet having in hand what was promised, but still
believing. How did they do it? They saw it way off in the
distance...' (Hebrews 11:13 TM). Their faith kept them focused!

Sometimes faith is an instrument of change;at other times it's a
means of survival. It's what gives you the tenacity to trust God
when His will seems to clash with yours. Often your faith is
perfected more when things don't change than when they do. You
don't need faith for what you can see or have already attained; you
need it when life makes no sense, when you can't explain why the
baby dies, or the job falls through, or the marriage isn't working,
or the wicked prosper, or the good die, or the righteous suffer, or
the kind receive no comfort. We think there's only one good
outcome - the one we want. No, we must trust the character and
plan of God; who He is and what He does. We must see Him at
work in whatevercomes our way. And even when we can't, we
must trust Him, knowing '...God causes everything to work together
for the good of those who love God and are called according to his
purpose...' (Romans 8:28 NLT). Did you get that?
Everything!

Reflection:





The deep of Your grace

You are the Shepherd
Giving what I could not afford
Leaving the many
You sought to find me Lord

I will remember
You are the reason for my song
Blessed Redeemer
You love me as Your own

In the deep of Your grace
All my sins are washed away
Here I know the power of forgiveness
Here I know the power of Your blood

All I am
will I lay down
All I have
before Your cross Lord




2 comments:

CF said...

You are not alone Steph...I also have the same problem. It's really hard to struggle through when you don't know or can't see the end line like you said. On top of that your course is more difficult so I can't imagine. But like you said, we need to have faith. Have faith that God will help us through everything. Turn negatives things and thoughts to positive, take it as inspiration to improve. Of coz it's easier said than done. Haha.

I Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

I John 4:4
Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

Gambate! Let's work hard and graduate together!

At the cross said...

Hey! Glad to see your comment! We all need to start working hard and hope to graduate so tat people won't be disappointed! =)